Showing posts with label disability. Show all posts
Showing posts with label disability. Show all posts

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Disability, Klutziness and Sleepiness - Oh My!

Author J. Aday Kennedy has two recently released children's books from Guardian Angel Publishing that are delightful to read and provide valuable lessons as well.


Buster Bear and Uncle B is about a boy named Ham with a special fondness for his Uncle Brian and the toy bear his uncle gave him. Uncle B is coming for a visit, which fills Ham with excitement. His mother reminds Ham that his uncle was getting out of the hospital because he had been hurt while serving in Iraq. Upon the arrival of Uncle B, Ham is suddenly subdued when seeing his beloved uncle in a wheelchair. It takes a while for Ham to understand that Uncle B is still the same person he always was even though he is now paralyzed. Uncle B has learned new ways to have fun, and they have a great time playing together and sharing their love. This sweet story provides a great lesson for children about understanding and accepting people with disabilities.

J. Aday has a special insight into Uncle B's life since she is paralyzed herself. Like the character in her story, she overcomes her difficulties with grace, humor and faith. This is a wonderful story for children to enjoy and learn about handicaps and treating all people with respect.

Marina Movshina's illustrations very expressively help to convey the emotions and activities throughout the story. There is also a teacher's guide for Buster Bear and Uncle B with information about Jessica Aday, activities and tips for better understanding of disabilities, questions and games.


J. Aday's newest book is Cobbledom's Curse, a cute story about a flying horse, an elf and a leprechaun. Kantor Pegasus, a character from J. Aday's book, Klutzy Kantor, is once again struck with a klutziness curse by Cobbledom Leprechaun. In the midst of a klutzy frolic through the woods, he runs into a sleepy little elf, who is unable to sleep due to the same leprechaun's evil deed. Children will giggle over their adventures and find that what may save these two is cooperation and putting the other one's needs above their own. It provides a fun lesson for children about helping each other and not being selfish.

The bright, colorful illustrations by Jack Foster are adorable and are sure to capture a child's eye and imagination. You can enjoy more of Jack's art on his blog, Jacktoons.

Hope you have enjoyed the reviews of these two very different books that do have something in common - a good lesson for children and that they are written by the same versatile and talented artist, J. Aday Kennedy. Click on her name to visit Aday's website. These books and others are available from Guardian Angel Publishing and Amazon.